Coast Guard medevacs man near Sitka, Alaska

The Air Station Sitka crew safely transported the man from a beach to Sitka Community Hospital.

Watchstanders from the Coast Guard 17th District command center received a report from the crew of the Wilderness Adventurer, a 156-foot passenger vessel, that the man was experiencing symptoms of a heart attack while aboard the vessel. Watchstanders briefed the duty flight surgeon who recommended the medevac. The crew of the Wilderness Adventurer transferred the man, via small boat, to a nearby beach where the Jayhawk crew landed to assist.

“During the summer months there is increased activity on the water, and our crews stand watch around the clock,” said Lt. James Condon, Air Station Sitka public affairs officer. “We train for situations such as this in order to assist and transport mariners in distress.”